Arizona

After being disappointed with the town of Tombstone (see article here) I decided to see if we could park at the lot next to the Boothill Graveyard. Boothill is now on the National Register of Historic places. According to a plaque the graveyard was restored by Tombstone residents in the 1920’s.

The final resting place of some of Tombstone’s most colorful people is well maintained now. All of the graves look pretty much the same: a pile of rocks and simple wood markers. A few graves have fencing. The entrance to the graveyard is through a souvenir shop. They request a $3 “donation” for a flyer with the grave locations marked.

This was an interesting attraction. The graveyard is portrayed as being authentic, however you have to wonder about the spacing of the graves. The spacing is almost too perfect. The sayings on some of the graves are pretty humorous.

We were able to park in the lot, however any rig over 25′ will not be able to park here. I was able to find a spot and back in ok.

Sher and I had planned on a visit to the ‘historic’ town of Tombstone since we were in Tucson. We decided to drive there on our way back east.

Well, we were disappointed. There was literally no parking available anywhere close to the main street. Signage directed us to an RV and trailer parking lot that was at the bottom of a very steep hill. This was too steep of a climb. The main street was blocked off to traffic so we could not get a chance to even drive by ‘the sights’.

All of the sites either charged admission or were simply a place to spend your money, either food, drinks, or merchandise. The famed OK Corral was actually walled in with bleachers for the audience. Again admission charged. The town we felt has morphed into a tourist trap.

The antique store

We did find some street parking (free) across from an antique store a few blocks away from the main street area. It had some interesting things that were priced pretty high, as you would expect.

Perhaps on an off day you can find parking. However with any RV or trailer combo of any length parking will be a problem unless you park in the lower level at the bottom of the hill. Tombstone may be fun for some, but for us the lack of close parking and the commercialism just turned us off.

We took a drive to the Tucson Mountain District of the Saguaro National Park one evening. It was a visual delight to watch the desert turn from the bright sunlight of the day into the subdued lighting of dusk followed by yet another night.

Every year the city of Tucson hosts the premier showcase for dealers displaying and selling gems, minerals, fossils and jewelry. The 2016 show has 43 different locations around town. Over 4000 different vendors ship in specimens from literally every continent on earth. You will find acres of huge temporary buildings, tents, canopies and awnings set up in set areas around town. Free shuttles provide transportation from park and go lots.

If it has to do with minerals, gems, fossils or jewelry you will find it. Towering six foot tall amethyst filled geodes are found everywhere. Slabs of limestone the size of sheets of plywood are seen filled with amazing trilobite fossils. Any mineral crystal known to man is available for purchase.

Sher and I have been out several times this past week.We have not yet seen a quarter of the vendors or sites. While some dealers only sell wholesale to other businesses, most of the vendors will sell retail to the public. Bring some cash because you will find something you can’t live without!

Sher and I were driving in our motorhome on the far east side of Tucson, following Tanque Verde Road, one of the main east-west routes. As we approached the foothills of the Rincon Montains the road became Reddington Road. We kept on driving enjoying looking at the houses, horse ranches and the scenery.

The dirt road at its widest

The road narrowed but I kept on, and soon there was a sign for curves, one of which was a 5MPH curve warning. This curve led to a steep, steep climb. At this point turning around was not an option.

The next thing we saw was a sign for the Coronado National Forest and the change from paved road to dirt/gravel road. No way to turn around, and no idea what was ahead. When a small truck came down the road towards us I flagged the vehicle down. The lady inside informed me that less than a mile up the road was a parking area where we could trun around. Whew!

We got turned around and stopped to get out and admire the view. Hundreds of Saguaro cacti covered the landscape. What an impressive sight they were! We were in but a small portion of the 1.78 million acres of the Coronado National Forest which covers portions of Arizona and New Mexico.

Oh, and by the way, I won’t head out on a road leading into the mountains again without doing some research!

Today I was pleased to meet Duke as he walked his owner around the Whispering Palms RV park here in Tucson. Duke is a pure bred Chihuahua and is a rescue dog. We had a nice chat. It is fun meeting fellow RV travelers and their traveling companions.

The Saguaro National Park is unique in that it is actually in two different parts: The Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District. One section is west of Tucson, the other is east of town. First designated as a National Monument in 1933, the monument was officially made a National Park in 1994.

Sher and I went to the Rincon Mountain District one afternoon when we were checking out some antique and art stores on the far est side of Tucson. We stopped at the Visitor Center to pick up some information brochures and a map of the park. We did not have to pay the entrance fee because we have the America the Beautiful Senior Pass.

Fish hook barrel cactus

The beauty of the desert

The scenic loop drive is an 8 mile one way paved road that winds through a portion of the huge park. This will give you an up close view of the amazing cacti and other plants that populate the remarkable desert environment. You cant help but feel a connection to the marvels of the desert as you take this drive. There are many pulloffs and some “scenic” views. Get out, smell the air and take a little walk.

One thing that stood out to us was the individuality of each of the Saguaro catcti. The younger ones had a simple stalk. The Saguaro doesn’t start to grow the iconic “arms” until it is over 6 feet tall and at least 60 to 75 years old. Those old timers with several arms are in the 150 + age group!

Fort Lowell Park is now a large city park northeast of downtown Tucson. It is home to several ballparks and soccer fields. The ground is also the site of a former frontier Army fort. The original military post was opened in 1860 on the outskirts of the then tiny town of Tucson. This location was abandoned several years later and moved to the Fort Lowell site, seven miles northeast of downtown Tucson. The fort remained until it was decommissioned and abandoned in 1891.

The Fort was used as a staring point for several Army expeditions chasing down “renegade” Apache bands. Perhaps the most famous event that began at Fort Lowell was General Crook’s expedition that led to the “surrender” of Geronimo.

Today little remains of the original buildings. The old hospital building remains are the largest reminder of the original fort. The mud brick walls are now protected from the weather by a large shed roof. A fence now surrounds these ruins to keep them safe from vandalism.

The old fort hospital ruins

Free Museum

The Commanding Officer’s quarters has been faithfully reconstructed and houses a small museum. The museum houses fascinating displays covering the life and times of life on a frontier military post. Military uniforms, saddles and weaponry are there for up close examination. Civilian history is also told.

Take time to visit Fort Lowell. As you walk the old parade grounds you can imagine the cavalry troopers in formation as the infantry marches into place for the sounding of the evening gun. Look at the large statue of a mounted bugler: let your mind travel back to Tucson in the 1880’s.

Once a year the old fort is the location of the Fort Lowell Day Celebration. Normally the second Saturday in February, this event is packed with activities including Cavalry drills, period bands, walking tours and of course lots of food vendors. Visit the Arizona Historical Society website for details.

Every once in while Sher and I find what we consider an exceptional RV park. We have found one such park here in Tucson. We normally stay at most for two or three nights, however we are enjoying Tucson and the weather! We have decided to spend a month at the Whispering Palms RV Park on the north side of town. The park is minutes from downtown and close to I-10 for easy access in either direction.

Whispering Palms has 81 spaces deep enough for big rigs. All of the spaces are back ins, however they are a full 20′ wide for easy placement of your rig. Pull through may be an option depending on occupancy of adjacent sites. The sites are all level on gravel. Of course there are full hook ups at each site. Long term stays may have cable TV and internet service from a local cable company. The electric service panels have been updated with 20/30/50 plugs at each spot.

Cactus and grapefruit

This park has been under new ownership for a couple of years. The new owners have spent a lot on upgrades including newly remodeled restrooms with showers and several large commercial washers and dryers in the laundry room. In addition there is a new swimming pool and covered picnic area.

The onsite manager is most enjoyable to interact with. Anna was here when the new owners took over and has been insturmental in making this one of the nicest parks you will ever find. The grounds are immaculate and the landscaping is just enough to add to the south west feel of the area.

This has become one of the most sought after RV parks in the Tucson area. Tucson has many special events like the Gem and Mineral Shows with thousands of people coming to town. Make sure you call ahead or go to the park website and make reservations as soon as you as you know your travel plans. Whispering Palms is a member park of Passport America, Good Sam and Enjoy America. Be sure to mention these when you call to check the availablity of these potential discounts.

If you are looking for a resort style place with a big clubhouse, shuffleboard tournaments or bingo then this is not the RV Park for you. But, if you want a clean, safe, friendy and affordable place to stop for a night, week or long term in Tucson then Whispering Palms is the place for you.

The folks at the RV park recommended that for some real authentic Mexican food during our stay in Tucson we should be sure to visit the El Charro Café. That recommendation turned out to be spot on.

The El Charro proudly proclaims that it is the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. The cafe opened in 1922 and is still in the same location near downtown. (There are two other locations in Tucson.)

Like most Mexican eateries a dish of salsa and tortilla chips was brought out as soon as we were seated. The chips were home made and a great way to enjoy the salsa. Our waiter, Andre, was most helpful in assisting us with our choices. Sher went with the Vegan Corn and Quinoa Tamales. I could not resist the “Sizzling Fajitas” combo with both beef and chicken.

The portions were approaching huge in size. Note the picture of my fajitas. The food was very very good. All of the offerings were served fresh and hot. The fajita’s skillet ‘sizzled’ for a good four minutes or so after it was brought to our table. Our food was served within a very short time after ordering. Both Sher and I really enjoyed our meal in this historic Tucson restaurant.

The El Charro Café should be on your short list for dining in Tucson. Our tab ended up a moderate $40 which included Margaritas. Here is their website. Ask for Andre when you go. He’ll take good care of you and your party.